Discover ancient Polynesian navigation: instrument-free techniques, va'a, wayfinding, and the cultural revival of the great explorers of the Pacific.

The black pearl of Tahiti, jewel of French Polynesia, represents a cultural and natural heritage. The result of centuries of history and precise, respectful pearl farming, this unique gem is cultivated in the crystal-clear lagoons of remote atolls such as Manihi or Marutea Sud. Discovering its process and origin is an immersion into the Polynesian soul.

Every two years, the Marquesas Islands celebrate Matavaa or te Henua Enana, a traveling cultural festival that honors the ancestral soul of Polynesia. In a majestic setting off the beaten tourist track, mythical dances, ritual tattoos, songs, crafts, and traditional sports revive the Ma'ohi identity with emotion and pride. More than an event, it is a collective ritual that connects artists, travelers, and communities in an encounter of beauty and truth.

Long before it became a global sport, surfing originated in Tahiti as a sacred practice. Linked to mana and the Polynesian worldview, it was an intimate ritual of connection with the ocean. Banned during colonization, it has now resurfaced as a symbol of identity. Teahupo’o, a legendary and sacred wave, embodies this living heritage, also celebrated at the 2024 Olympic Games.

In French Polynesia, craftsmanship reflects a living ancestral culture. Every braid, carving, or piece of jewellery expresses a deep connection with nature and ancestors. Passed down from generation to generation, this everyday art has soul and history. At the Papeete market, its shapes, colours, and aromas showcase the cultural richness of the islands and the expertise of a people proud of their roots.